Everyone is passionate about something. We all have causes we believe in and things that matter to us deeply. For some of us, that desire involves caring for animals. Are you someone who is naturally sympathetic to the needs of others? Are you looking to improve the quality of life for animals? If you answered yes to these questions, the Veterinary Technology program could be a great fit for you.

Veterinary technicians, commonly called vet techs, typically work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian doing clinical work. That includes tasks such as performing various medical tests, and treating animals with medical conditions and diseases. Since you will have a wide array of responsibilities, we want to ensure you have the skills and confidence necessary to:

Aid in medical, surgical and diagnostic procedures

Maintain medical records and gather patient information

Assist with radiography and dental prophylaxes

Collect laboratory specimens and aid in the analysis process

Take the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination upon graduation*

Don’t just love animals, care for them

Keep in mind that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow by 30% between 2012 and 2022.** This is promising for your future if you would like to become a veterinary technician.

Learn practical skills through practical experience

As a student working toward your Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology, you’ll receive a balance of theory and practical instruction. Our program includes externship experience in a real-world veterinary health care setting and is designed to prepare graduates for the Veterinary Technician National Exam and the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination. Graduates are encouraged to take both exams to increase employment options. Although this program isn’t intended to serve as a pre-veterinary program, it does cover the fundamentals of:

Chemistry

Biology

Anatomy

Physiology

Since being a vet tech is such a hands-on profession, it’s important that our program training utilizes a skills-based approach to learning. That’s why our curriculum includes laboratory practice on live animals and animal simulators, as well as clinical experience in the field. In this way, you can obtain the knowledge and confidence necessary to work as an entry-level vet tech in veterinary offices, animal hospitals, research institutions, or related pharmaceutical and pet care industries.

Three-year pass rate data for first-time test takers on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) based on a July 1 to June 30 reporting year (2011-2014)

Citrus Heights

Pleasant Hill

Sacramento

San Jose

San Leandro

Stockton

Pomona

Number of eligible first-time candidates

56

86

96

127

116

118

N/A – three years of data is not currently available.

Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE

10

13

15

7

14

9

Three-Year Pass Rate

100%

54%

80%

71%

71%

67%

Liza Morales, Veterinary Technology instructor at Carrington College California is demonstrating the role of a Veterinary Technician including husbandry, handling, and restraint for small pocket pet animals.

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* Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.